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J. Cosmet. Sci., 56, 17-27 Oanuary/February 2005) L-Ergothioneine scavenges superoxide and singlet oxygen and suppresses TNF-a and MMP-1 expression in UV-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts KEI OBAYASHI, KOUJI KURIHARA, YURI OKANO, HITOSHI MASAKI, and DANIEL B. YAROSH, Cosmos Technical Center Co. Ltd, 3-24-3, Hasune, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 174-0046Japan (K.0., K.K., Y.O., H.!VI.), and AGI Dermatics, 205 Buffalo Avemte, Freeport, NY 11520-4709 (D.B. Y.). Accepted for publication November 16, 2004. Synopsis Ergothioneine (EGT) is a sulfur-containing amino acid, and is presumed to function as a natural antioxidant. The purpose of this study was co identify the nature of the antioxidant activity and investigate the effects of EGT on UV-induced cellular response. In chemical studies, EGT scavenged the superoxide anion radical (•02-) and singlet oxygen ( 1 02). In cultured fibroblasts, EGT suppressed TNF-a up-regulation by UVB irradiation. In addition, in fibroblasts exposed to UV-A, EGT suppressed the expression of matrix metal­ loproteinase 1 (MMP-1) protein by nearly 50% and reduced MMP-1 mRNA expression. From these results, we conclude that EGT scavenges reactive oxygen species generated by both Type I and Type II photosen­ sitization and suppresses both TNF-a expression and MMP-1 at their transcriptional level. EGT may reduce skin anti-aging effects after UV irradiation by the scavenging of •02 - and 1 02, and reducing signals for protease and inflammatory activity. INTRODUCTION Recently, the increase in the aged population and the increase in UV at the earth's surface (1) have focused the public's concern on the long-term effects of UVA (320 nm-400 nm) and UVB (290 nm-320 nm), especially the acceleration of premature skin aging. Photoaged facial skin is characterized by the appearance of deep wrinkles at the corner of the eyes and around the mouth. Many studies have demonstrated that the alterations of the extracellular matrix at the papillary dermis, collagen, and elastin substantially contributes to the formation of photoaged skin (2-8). The decrease of collagen fibers and the disappearance of elastin fine fiber and oxytalan fiber has been observed in photoaged skin. These alterations are caused by repeated UV exposure. Address all correspondence to Hitoski Masaki. 17